RF antenna platform

Abstract

An RF antenna platform selectively configurable for portable or non-portable use, the platform comprising: a body comprising at least one RF antenna for transmitting and receiving RF signals; at least one component interface provided on the body for interchangeable mounting of different types of stabilising component to the body; wherein the component interface is common to each of the different types of stabilising component such that the portable and non-portable configurations of the platform are selectively determined by the type of stabilising component mounted to the body.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic counter measure RF antenna platform selectively configurable for portable or non-portable use, the platform comprising:
 a body comprising at least one fixed RF antenna for transmitting and receiving RF signals; 
 at least one component interface rail provided on the body for interchangeable mounting of different types of stabilising component to the body to selectively determine portable and non-portable configurations of the platform; 
 at least one antenna mount arranged to mount to the at least one component interface rail at least one detachable RF antenna configured to transmit RF signals; and, 
 a data interface for connecting the RF antennas to a separate control unit that supplies RF signals, wherein the data interface is in data communication with the RF antenna via cabling disposed within an internal conduit through the body. 
 
     
     
       2. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein said different types of stabilising component include a hand-grip for configuring the platform for portable use, for example a pistol-type hand-grip. 
     
     
       3. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein said different types of stabilising component include a static fixture for configuring the platform for non-portable use. 
     
     
       4. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein said different types of stabilising component include a rotatable mount for configuring the platform for non-portable use, preferably said rotatable mount being attached to a static fixture such as a building or vehicle, for example wherein rotation of the rotatable mount is motorised. 
     
     
       5. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein said different types of stabilising component include a mounting plate for configuring the platform for non-portable use, for example wherein the mounting plate is adapted for mounting the platform to a static fixture and/or wherein the mounting plate has a slot for receiving fixings of the static fixture. 
     
     
       6. The platform of any  claim 1 , wherein the body is elongate having a first end and a second end. 
     
     
       7. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one component interface rail is a first component interface rail, the platform further comprising a second component interface rail for interchangeable attachment of said different types of stabilising component. 
     
     
       8. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein the body is further configured for attachment of a support component for supporting the platform on part of an operator's body, for example a shoulder butt. 
     
     
       9. The platform of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one of said stabilising components removably mounted to said at least one component interface rail. 
     
     
       10. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one fixed RF antenna is configured as a flat panel RF antenna. 
     
     
       11. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one fixed RF antenna is integral with the body. 
     
     
       12. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein the data interface comprises a 5-in-1 connector arrangement such that five data cables can be connected to the platform for data communication with the RF antennas via said single connector. 
     
     
       13. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein at least part of the body is hollow. 
     
     
       14. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein the cabling is electromagnetically shielded cabling (EMC), preferably wherein the cabling is substantially contained within the body. 
     
     
       15. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one detachable RF antenna forms an antenna array with said at least one fixed RF antenna. 
     
     
       16. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one antenna mount is arranged to mount to the body at least two detachable RF antennas configured to transmit RF signals. 
     
     
       17. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one antenna mount comprises first and second antenna mounts for mounting the or each detachable RF antenna, wherein the first and second antenna mounts are spaced apart along the body such that said one or more detachable RF antenna is supported by both the first and second antenna mounts. 
     
     
       18. The platform of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one RF connector port provided in the body and coupled with the communication interface, wherein the at least one RF connector port is further arranged to be coupled to the at least one detachable RF antenna for communication of RF data therebetween. 
     
     
       19. The platform of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one component interface rail is a Picatinny rail or a Weaver rail. 
     
     
       20. A kit of parts, comprising:
 an electronic counter measure RF antenna platform according to  claim 1 ; 
 at least one detachable RF antenna mountable to the platform; 
 an optical accessory that is mountable to the platform; and, 
 at least one stabilising component that is mountable to the platform.